The purpose of the City of Geneva Zoning Ordinance is to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, comfort, and general welfare. This purpose is fulfilled through the establishment of zoning districts, development regulations, development review procedures, and performance standards. The City of Geneva is divided into 26 zoning districts. Each zoning district establishes a specific list of allowable uses and a set of lot and area requirements. Some zoning districts also establish specific development standards designed to protect the purpose and intent of that district.

The City’s single-family residential properties are divided into two (2) areas, Residential Area 1 and Residential Area 2. Residential Area 1 consists of mature subdivisions that were recorded prior to January 1, 1989 and Residential Area 2 consists of newer subdivisions that were recorded after January 1, 1989. The City’s Zoning Ordinance imposes additional restrictions on new construction within Residential Area 1 to ensure that it is compatible with surrounding properties in terms of setbacks, lot coverage, height, floor area, and garage location. Properties located within Residential Area 2 are simply required to comply with the bulk regulations of the zoning district in which they are located.

A zoning verification letter may be obtained from the City Planner. Requests may be submitted by phone, fax, or email. All requests should specifically state the information that needs to be verified. Common inquires include, but are not limited to, the zoning of the property, the permitted uses for the zoning district, and the required setbacks for structures located on the property.

The ability to subdivide a property depends on several factors. The lots created by the subdivision must comply with the minimum lot and area requirements for the district in which the property is located. If the proposed subdivision involves an existing structure that would remain after the division, the remaining structure must comply with the minimum lot and area requirements after the division and cannot create substandard conditions such as setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio. All subdivisions must be able satisfy the requirements set forth in the City’s Subdivision Regulations including those established for sewage disposal, water supply, access, and traffic circulation.

A conforming property complies with all of the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located. A nonconforming property does not comply with all of the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located.

A property may be nonconforming in regards to the use of the property, the size or location of buildings or structures on the property, or the size and configuration of the lot itself. Chapter 13 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes regulations for the treatment of buildings, structures, lots and land uses considered nonconforming and specifies circumstances and conditions under which nonconformities shall be repaired, enlarged, moved, restored or terminated.

Home occupations are permitted uses in residential districts; however, these must be clearly incidental to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes. Home occupations in an accessory building require a special use permit. Home occupations must meet all of the following criteria:

Only members of the family occupying the premises shall engage in the home occupation.

No article shall be sold or offered for sale on the premises and no mechanical or electrical equipment shall be installed or maintained other than is customarily incidental to domestic use.

There shall be no exterior display, exterior sign, no exterior storage of materials, no other exterior indication of the home occupation or variation from the residential character of the principal building or any accessory building, and no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat or glare shall be produced, nor shall such home occupation create a parking or traffic problem.

No more than one vehicle associated with the home occupation shall be permitted on the premises.

Setbacks are measured from the property line. Setbacks are not measured from the edge of street pavement or the edge of easements on the property. The best way to determine the exact location of all of your property lines is to refer to a plat of survey or to have a land surveyor locate the actual property pins.

Each zoning district establishes a specific list of allowable uses. Allowable uses are divided into two categories; either permitted or special uses. A use listed as “permitted” is considered to always be appropriate for the zoning district and does not require any special permission from the City Council. A use listed as “special” is considered to have characteristics that may create off-site negative impacts on allowable permitted uses within the zoning district and therefore requires a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission and ultimate approval by the City Council.

The City of Geneva Zoning Map is available for review on this website on the Maps page. It may also be viewed or purchased by visiting the Community Development Department at City Hall, 22 South First Street in Geneva, Illinois. You may also contact the City Planner at (630)-232-0814 to find out the zoning of your property. Please provide the property’s address or a detailed description of the property’s location.

Permits are the way the City of Geneva regulates construction. The permit application review process and on-site inspections ensure that all construction in the City is safe. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of Geneva has adopted the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, State of Illinois Plumbing Code, and the National Electrical Code. There are also federal, state and local laws that govern construction.

Obtaining the permit is just the first step toward completing your project. During this step, you may need to submit plans to the department, provide copies of your plat of survey showing proposed improvements, and the type of construction you will be doing. Please check the appropriate information above to help you through this process.

Once plans are approved the permit is issued and you will be required to build the project according to the approved plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be approved by the Division before the work is performed.

Obtaining a permit and passing inspections ensure that the work complies with applicable codes. If you plan to sell your home or building, the Division maintains a permit and inspection record for your property. Prospective buyers will be able to review the permit issuance and inspection records.

A building permit is required for all new construction including buildings, fences, sheds, decks, gazebos, pergolas, patios, sidewalks, driveways, irrigation systems, pools, and hot tubs.

A building permit is also required for existing structures where the work to be done is regulated by a code. For example, any changes or replacement of water or gas piping, wiring, heating and central air conditioning systems, or water heaters require a permit. Work that affects the structure of any wall, door or window opening, roof element, etc., as well as replacement of windows, doors and permanent exterior coverings such as roofing and siding requires a permit

If you have any questions about whether a permit is required, please call the Building Division at (630) 262-0280.

Building permits are issued at the Building Division in Geneva City Hall, which is located at 109 James Street. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call (630) 262-0280 for more information

Approval time may vary, depending on the type of permit. Roofing and siding permits can usually be issued at the time of application. Residential and commercial construction permits generally take about 2-3 weeks to review once the required information has been submitted and there are no unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances can lengthen this time.

We require applicants to wait until the permit has been issued before starting any construction. If the project involves demolition, please contact the Building Department to request authorization to proceed under these circumstances.

Inspections vary depending on the project. All projects will require a final inspection. However, other projects may require additional inspections such as concrete pre-pour, electrical or framing. A complete list of necessary inspections will be on your permit. For more information please view the appropriate project information above.

If you are working without a permit, inspectors will order all work stopped and have any contractors leave the jobsite immediately. Permit fees will double and work cannot begin again until a permit is issued.

A tree removal permitis required prior to the removal of a live Class A or B tree located on private parcels of land that are more than 1.5 acres (65,340 square feet) in size, or parcels of land requiring review and approval of Tree Preservation Plans as set forth in the Geneva City Code, where no on-site work requiring a building permit is involved. Non- class A or B trees can be removed without a permit.

Submittal of a Tree Preservation Review Application is required for exterior construction projects on property that contains one or more trees over 10 inches in diameter (measured 4.5 feet above the ground) located within the Construction Activity Zone or Tree Preservation Zone. A good rule of thumb is a 10 inch or larger tree on your property or any sized tree on adjacent public or private property within approximately 50 feet of the construction project. Please refer to Title 8-5C of the Geneva City Code for further information.

The Geneva Township Assessor's Office is the responsible taxing authority for Geneva. If you are interested in determining whether or not your taxes will be increased, please contact the Assessor's Office at (630) 232-3600, and they will be able to give you information on the type of projects that will increase your property taxes.

In order to maintain the historic integrity of properties located within the Geneva Historic District, all applications for building permits for these properties are subject to the review of the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission. A Historic Preservation Review Application will need to be submitted prior to building permit application. A building permit will not be issued until this review occurs and approval is granted. Please contact the Historic Planner at (630) 938-4541 for more information.

For reasons of life safety (such as the ability of fire and police personnel to find the location of emergencies), all residential and commercial properties are required to display the assigned address numbers on the building so that they are clearly visible from the street. The numbers are to be a minimum of 5 inches in height, of contrasting color to the mounting surface and within 10 feet of the front door. Script writing (i.e. One-Twenty-Three) does not meet this requirement.

Any household is allowed a total of four domesticated animals. This can be any combination of cats and/or dogs. However, there are certain animals that are not permitted to be kept (i.e. potbellied pigs, horses, fowl), for questions about these animals or any others, you should contact Code Enforcement Officer James Forni at 630-262-0284 for further clarification.

Any resident is permitted to run a traditional home occupation as long as it does not change the residential character of the neighborhood. Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use in a primary structure and as a special use in an accessory building in residential zoning districts. There should be no outward indication of the home based business, nor shall any signage be posted. Additionally, there should be no employees other than those living at the house and the business must not cause traffic or parking problems. Finally, only one (1) vehicle associated with a home occupation may be parked at/in front of the residence at any one time.

The end of the pipe where the water ejects may not be any closer to the property line (public or private) than fifteen (15') feet. Additionally, no water is allowed to pool to such an extent that it creates a public nuisance.

If the portable storage unit is to be used for temporary storage or for moving (such as PODS), or if it is a dumpster, it may be placed in the drive or next to the house for no more than thirty (30) days. If the unit is part of a remodeling project it may be placed for up to six (6) months providing a building permit has been issued.

Aside from the above regulations, all property owners should be aware that property maintenance issues can have a negative impact on the appearance and desirability of a neighborhood. Some of the more serious issues requiring prompt attention include unsound roofs, peeling/chipped paint, fallen or missing rain gutters, broken windows and loose/missing siding. Other concerns may include non-working exterior lighting, dilapidated accessory structures (detached garages, sheds) or fencing that is falling down.

The use of self-contained outdoor burning devices, permanent or stationary fire pits, and outdoor stationary fire places are permitted within the city within certain restrictions. This would include minimum distance from any combustibles as well as maximum size of the pit as well as the fire itself.

With the owner’s consent, election / political signs are allowed on private property only. Any election / political signs found on public property will be removed by city staff and properly disposed of.

Garage, yard, rummage sale signs which do not exceed 6 square feet in area are only permitted on private residential property. Such signs shall be limited to one per lot and shall only be permitted between 7 a.m. on Friday and 8 p.m. Sunday.

All vehicles must be parked on a hard surface (i.e. concrete, asphalt, paving bricks). If there is no private drive or parking pad, then the vehicle should be parked in the street unless otherwise posted. No vehicle is permitted to be parked on the lawn or on the parkway/tree bank.

The parking of lettered cars, pickup trucks and vans is allowed as long as they do not exceed 8,001 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight. This size limitation excludes most box trucks and any vehicle with an Illinois Class D registration/license plate.

For purposes of loading and unloading, any trailer/recreational vehicle may be parked in front of the residence/structure for a period not to exceed 24 hours. For periods of time over 24 hours, trailers/recreational vehicles are considered to be storage, and must then be relocated to the side or rear yard area or off site. An additional day or two extension, if necessary (because of maintenance, cleaning, etc.), is allowed by calling (630) 262-0284 and leaving a message indicating your address, phone number and date of relocation/removal.

Garbage cans, recycling bins, and other stickered items for collection may be placed on the curb as early as 6 a.m. the day before the scheduled pickup. After collection, all empty containers / uncollected items should be brought back up next to the house by no later than 8 p.m. that same day.

All bushes, trees, and ornamental plantings are not allowed to grow to such an extent that they obstruct the use of the public sidewalk. Overhanging trees should be maintained so that there is a clear walking height of not less than 10 feet from the surface of the public walk.

All snow that has fallen on private property should remain on private property. However, if plowed, snow or ice should never be pushed out into/across the street or onto any neighboring properties. In any case, mounds of snow should not be allowed to grow to a height that would cause a visual obstruction of/for vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Information about holding a special event in Geneva can be found on our Special Event Applications page (see link below). Information can also be found about events that utilize the Fox River Trail, block parties, and fundraisers.

Effective July 1, 2018 the sales tax rate for sales of general merchandise in Geneva is 8%. This rate is a combined rate which includes state and local sales taxes as collected by the Illinois Department of Revenue. For more information contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at tax.illinois.gov or 1-800-732-8866.

Contact the Public Works Electric Division at 630-232-1503 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.For emergency calls after hours, please call Geneva Police Department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736.

We are sorry to see you move. Residents can discontinue service by filling out an online formor stopping by the City's Finance Division, 15 S. First St. FYI, discontinuing service requests by phone will no longer be accepted.

Contact the Public Works Electric Division at 630-232-1503 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.For emergency calls after hours, please call the Geneva Police Department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736.

Contact the Public Works Electric Division at 630-232-1503, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. After hours, you can leave a voice mail message for the Electric Division or email dkrupa@geneva.il.us. Requests may also be made on the City of Geneva website under "Report a Concern," and select Street Lighting.

You may have received a call or mailing from various energy providers. The City of Geneva owns and operates its own municipal electric system. Therefore, other energy providers cannot provide electric service to Geneva residents or businesses. Investor-owned utilities, such as ComEd are required to allow third party suppliers to offer their services to customers within their service territory. If you have any further questions, please contact the City's Electric Division at 630-232-1503.

The traffic signals are the responsibility of the Illinois Department of Transportation or the Kane County Division of Transportation. To report a traffic light outage, please call Geneva Police Department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736.

Yes. Anyone planning to do an outdoor project that requires any type of digging, regardless of depth or project size, should call JULIE at 800-892-0123 or 811 before they or their contractor begins to dig. The type of projects that require a call to JULIE include; decks/patios, fences, trees/shrubs, mailbox, swing sets, room additions, gardens, fountains, swimming pools, tents and landscaping.

Mill Creek is located outside the City of Geneva's corporate boundary limits and does not provide electric service to this subdivision. Mill Creek residents receive electricity from ComEd, which can be reached at 800-334-7661. For other services, please contact Blackberry Township at 630-365-9109.

The Geneva Public Works Department Electric Division requires net metering customers pay for their net meter before the system can be operated in parallel with the grid. This cost varies based on when order is received for the meter. The cost of the meter will be provided at the customer orientation meeting. The meter must be paid for before the Electric Division inspection.

Geneva City Code provides for the net metering of energy only. Customers will not be paid for any energy “pushed” onto the grid. Credits for unused energy are accumulated starting May 1 and continue to be accrued throughout the year. On April 30, any unused energy credits are zero’d out and the accruals start fresh on May 1. These dates coincide with the beginning and end of the City's fiscal year.

The base customer charge will still apply to the account, even if the energy usage is zero for billing purposes.

The Geneva City Code limits the total size of all net metered PV installation on our system to 2 percent of the previous years peak system demand. Currently that is a limit of about 1600 kW. Individual installation sizes are limited by service entrance rating and other factors.

• Visit the Finance Division office at 15 S. First St. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

You will be required to pay a refundable security deposit upon completion of the application process which is refunded upon completion of two-year period of good payment history. A letter will be sent to the new address requesting payment of the utility deposit.

Prior to receiving the yellow notice, you would have received a white “Past Due” letter indicating that you can make payment arrangements. However, upon receiving the yellow “Past Due” notice, no payment arrangements can be made. You are required to pay the balance due in full to prevent your utility service from being disconnected.

Payment in full (including penalties and reconnection fees) must be made in cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card either by calling 630-232-0854 or in person at from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Finance Office, 15 S. First St., Geneva.

The utility service can be reconnected if your utility account balance has been paid in full (including penalties and reconnection fees) with cash, money order or credit card. Checks will NOT be accepted. Payments can be made in person at the Finance Division office, 15 S. First St., or calling 630-232-0854.

The reconnection fees are as follows:$75 is added to the current balance once you are scheduled for turn off. If service is reinstated between the hours of 2.30 p.m. and 11.59 p.m., an additional $75 will be added to your account. If service is reinstated between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m., on a Sunday, or on a designated City holiday, an additional $125 will be added to your account.

After business hours, payments can be made at the Geneva Police Department at 630-232-4736.

If you have a discrepancy on your bill, please notify the Finance Division staff prior to the next billing date by calling 630-232-0854 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Our staff will be happy to help resolve the situation accordingly.

The City of Geneva provides and bills for electric, water, wastewater utility services provided within City boundaries. (Mill Creek subdivision is not located within City of Geneva boundaries).The other utility service providers are:•Nicor Gas•Lakeshore Recycling Systems (Trash & Recycling)•AT&T•Comcast•DirecTV•Dish Network

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when handling a bulb, and always screw and unscrew the bulb by its base (not the glass). Never forcefully twist a CFL into a light socket. In the event of breaking a CFL, you can clean it up through the following procedures:

Note: Intact used bulbs can be recycled at most Home Depot and Ace Hardware locations. Broken CFL’s are not accepted and must be disposed of at a hazardous household waste facility.

* Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the breakage. This will spread the mercury vapor and dust throughout the area and could potentially contaminate the vacuum.

* Keep people and pets away from the breakage area until the cleanup is complete.

* Ventilate the area by opening windows, and leave the area for 15 minutes before returning to begin the cleanup. Mercury vapor levels will be lower by then.

* For maximum protection and if you have them, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the sharp glass.

* Carefully remove the larger pieces and place them in a secure closed container, preferably a glass container with a metal screw top lid and seal like a canning jar. A glass jar with a good seal works best to contain any mercury vapors inside. Other jars that can be made of glass and also work are pickle, peanut butter and applesauce jars. Not ideal but also a good choice for containing breakage is a heavy duty No. 2 plastic container with either a screw lid or push-on lid such as a joint compound bucket or certain kitty litter-type containers.

* Next, begin collecting the smaller pieces and dust. You can use two stiff pieces of paper such as index cards or playing cards to scoop up pieces.

* Pat the area with the sticky side of duct tape, packing tape or masking tape to pick up fine particles. Wipe the area with a wet wipe or damp paper towel to pick up even finer particles.

* Put all waste and materials into the glass container, including all material used in the cleanup that may have been contaminated with mercury. Label the container as “broken lamp.”

* Remove the container with the breakage and cleanup materials from your home. This is particularly important if you do not have a glass container.

* Continue ventilating the room for several hours.

* Wash your hands and face.

* Take the glass container with to a facility that accepts household hazardous waste (Closest: Naperville Fire Station No. 4, 1971 Brookdale Road. Open every Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. except holidays) If there is no permanent facility near your home, keep the glass container in a safe place until the next one day household hazardous waste collection occurs in your area. Do not take a broken CFL to a retail collection facility.

* When a break happens on carpeting, homeowners may consider removing throw rugs or the area of carpet where the breakage occurred as a precaution, particularly if the rug is in an area frequented by infants, small children or pregnant women.

* Finally, if the carpet is not removed, open the window to the room during the next several times you vacuum the carpet to provide good ventilation.

Fire extinguishers can safely be recycled at the hazardous waste facility at Naperville Fire Station No. 4, 1971 Brookdale Road. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday except for holidays.

Health Care Facilities Sharps containers represent one of the largest pieces of the medical waste “pie.” In one average hospital alone, nearly 13 tons of plastic are incinerated annually in the form of sharps containers.

Reusable sharps containers offer an alternative that can divert millions of tons of plastic from incinerators, where harmful chemicals can be released into the atmosphere.

Reusable sharps containers are steam sterilized at high temperatures and pressure in autoclaves that renders any potentially hazardous or infectious waste inert. Medical waste from these sharps containers will go through the same process which allows this material to be safely transported as non-hazardous waste to landfills.

Also, there are currently options available that offer containers with up to 25 percent recycled plastic for use in medical facilities.

Individual Home Injectors Current U.S. EPA guidelines suggest disposing all sharps (needles, lancets and syringes) in a secure household plastic container or coffee can with a secure lid, although it is prudent to check with your local waste management department as this is not legal in some states.

Community Collection SitesSharps users can take their filled sharps containers to appropriate collection sites such as doctors’ offices, hospitals or pharmacies. Services are usually free, so be sure to check with your pharmacist or other health care provider for availability in your area.

Check with your local waste provider to find if sharps are collected at hazardous waste sites.

Mail-Back Programs These programs allow sharps users to place their used sharps in special containers which can then be returned by mail to a collection site for proper disposal. Fees vary, depending on the size of the container. Again, check with your health care provider, pharmacist, yellow pages, or search the Internet using keywords “sharps mail-back.” These programs are especially well-suited for rural communities that do not typically provide a medical waste pick-up service

Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP) Sharps users can safely exchange used needles for new needles. Contact the North American Syringe Exchange Network at 253-272-4857.

At-Home Needle Destruction DevicesThere are several products manufactured that allow the self-user to safely destroy used needles at home. These devices sever, burn or melt the needle, rendering it safe for disposal. Please check with your pharmacist or search the internet using keywords “sharps disposal service.

A building permit is required when any substantial alteration is proposed. If alteration is proposed for a building in the Historic District, then the Historic Preservation Commission must review the application.

The HPC was established in 1982 when the City of Geneva adopted a preservation ordinance, similar to those enacted in other municipalities across the United States. The purpose of the HPC is to protect buildings and neighborhoods in the City which have special historic, architectural, and cultural character. The HPC is responsible for the review and approval of exterior projects on historic properties. When adopted in 1982 the HPC was advisory. In 1994 the preservation ordinance was updated, giving the HPC binding review authority.

Article 19 of Geneva Municipal Code establishes a process for the identification, designation, and protection of historic properties that are valuable assets to the city. Historic properties are distinctive areas or sites; a place of historical significance characterized by buildings and trees, architectural design and landscape features. It may be monumental or simple, residential or commercial. Historic buildings and districts are a legacy, linking present and future generations with their heritage. Under article 19, properties that are determined to be architecturally and/or historically significant may be designated as: • Landmarks (individual properties)• Historic Districts (areas of distinctive historic character)

Geneva has one local historic district consisting of about 670 properties, the Geneva Historic District, which was designated by ordinance in 1987. It contains two historic districts – the Central Geneva Historic District and the North Geneva Historic District – that were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and 1982 respectively. Geneva has two individual landmarks: the Henry Bond Fargo residence at 316 Elizabeth Place and Riverbank Laboratories at 1512 Batavia Avenue, designated in 2006 and 1999 respectively. Other properties listed on the National Register include the Country Day School at 1250 South Street, the Fabyan Windmill at 1500 Crissey, and Fabyan Villa at 1511 Batavia Avenue. See page three for a map illustrating the locally-designated properties.

The National Register is our nation’s official list of historic places deemed worthy of preservation; it simply recognizes a site or area’s historical, architectural, cultural, or archeological significance. While the National Register provides recognition of a historic or architecturally-significant property it does not protect properties from inappropriate changes or demolition. Local designation offers protection against incompatible changes or demolition by requiring review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to receiving a building permit.

Locally designated properties and districts are better protected from unmanaged change. This protection is similar to that provided by modern home associations. Nationally, property values stabilize and typically increase as a result of local historic designation and the added protection it brings. Additionally, neighborhood residents have an opportunity for public input during the design review process. In addition, as a Local Landmark or a contributing building within a Historic District, your property may qualify for state or federal tax benefits. These tax credits are available for rehabilitation work done on eligible historic properties.

Any project affecting the exterior appearance of a historic property that requires a building permit needs approval by the HPC. Examples of projects include: window replacement, re-siding, addition to existing building, demolition, new construction – garages, outbuildings, porches, decks, fences, enclosure or removal of porches, adding dormers, removal of exterior trim and chimneys, installation of new driveways or sidewalks, etc. Before beginning your project make sure that the project does not require a building permit/HPC review and contact staff.

HPC approval is required for any exterior project that needs a building permit. Complete a building permit application, HPC review application and submit information that illustrates the proposal (elevation drawings, site plans, floor plans, information about materials, etc). Applications for HPC review are due no later than two weeks prior to the HPC meeting. Some applications may be administratively approved by Staff. At the HPC meeting, the Commission will review the proposal and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. Contact staff to ensure that you are submitting the required information.

The HPC uses the nationwide preservation review standards that are established by the National Park Service - the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (SOI Standards). For more information online - http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/

Yes. If a proposal is denied by the Commission, you may opt to revise your proposal using the HPC’s recommendations. If you do not wish to revise your proposal and wish to appeal, you may do so in writing to the Building Commissioner who will recommend review by City Council.

Contact staff. Complete a landmark nomination form and provide supplemental information about the property (or properties) that indicates how it meets the criteria for landmark designation. A public hearing is required. All communication that is required for the landmark nomination process is at the nominator’s expense

Aside from numerous online sources, the Geneva History Center (formerly the Geneva Historical Society) is a great source for historical information about the City of Geneva and may have information about your property. The GHC is located at 113 S. Third Street, 630/232.4951. To find out more about the History Center, their website is http://www.genevahistorycenter.org/

The answer to that often asked question is “no.” Repainting your house, in the absence of any structural changes, does not require a permit. However, if any assistance were needed in making a color decision, the Commission would be very willing to help.

The Commission may oppose an addition that is insensitive to the design of your home or inappropriate for the neighborhood. The Commission will offer advice on how to amend an inappropriate plan if it is reasonable to think some changes would bring about a positive result.

The Commission strongly discourages demolition. This act eliminates the very fabric of history that makes the District what it is. We strongly encourage innovative plans that incorporate our older structures into useful spaces for today's living needs.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is a new commission that has combined the roles of the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. It will serve as a recommending body regarding petitions for general amendments to the zoning ordinance, zoning map amendments, zoning text amendments, special use permits, planned unit developments, subdivisions, site plan review, and variations. The Planning and Zoning Commission also serves as a board of appeals on zoning matters . This new body will streamline the review process, making it easier for applicants.

The goal for the Planning Division is to completely process Planning and Zoning Commission applications in 8 to 12 weeks. A single review letter incorporating all of staff’s comments is forwarded to the applicant approximately 4 weeks after the original submittal. If revisions are requested, the applicant should respond to staff’s comments and submit revised plans within 10 days in order to remain within the 8 to 12 week time frame. If additional revisions are required, the applicant submittal and staff review process will continue until the documents are deemed sufficient for Planning and Zoning Commission consideration. Once the application documents are in order, the request is forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration.

City staff cannot predict how the Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on a particular request. The Zoning Ordinance establishes specific standards for requests such as variations or special uses which the Planning and Zoning Commission uses to evaluate individual requests. The applicant should apply the relevant standards to their request and make a judgment whether or not they believe sufficient evidence can be provided to demonstrate compliance with each standard. The Planning and Zoning Commission will also consider staff’s recommendation and any testimony submitted at a public hearing. Staff’s recommendation will include an evaluation of any applicable standards and may include recommended conditions of approval to ensure that each standard is satisfied. However, staff’s recommendation is not a guarantee of the approval.

Site plan approval is required for multiple-family and nonresidential development under the following intended situations:

Any new principal structure (or complete redevelopment of any site) or the use of land for nonresidential purposes

Where an existing principal structure erected prior to the date of adoption of the Zoning Ordinance is proposed to be expanded, for which the sum total of gross floor area expansion(s) since the date of this title are equal to or greater than 25% of the total gross floor area of said structure

Any new or modified building and/or site improvements for a zoning lot which has previously received site plan approval under the Zoning Ordinance, re-approval of the plan is required for components of the plan which depart from the approved site plan

A site plan shall not be required exclusively as a change of use except where such change of use results in increased off-street parking requirements which cannot currently be met on the site

A site plan shall be required along with any application for a special use permit or a special use permit amendment for any nonresidential or multifamily development

Site plan review and approval is required to ensure that the use and development of land as authorized under the Zoning Ordinance is undertaken in an orderly and proper manner that furthers the public health, safety and welfare and makes adequate provision for assuring the availability of appropriate public and private services and amenities and for minimizing the adverse effects of such development. Site plan review is also intended to avoid and prevent deterioration of the function, character, and appearance of the City and provide a favorable environment for residents and business, and to preserve and protect property values within the City.

The Geneva Police Department provides service 24 hours per day. A records specialist is available to handle general inquiries and can be reached at the department's non-emergency telephone number at 630-232-4736.

City ordinance requires that your vehicle be moved every 24 hours. If for some reason you are unable to move your car, advise our staff by contacting the Police Department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736.

There is no parking on emergency snow routes when 2 or more inches of snow falls. Parking is prohibited on residential streets once 3 inches of snow. Parking bans are declared by the City's Public Works Department, which are posted on the City's website. Your cooperation allows for safe and efficient removal of snow to make travel safer for our residents.

The City has a parking deck located on South Third Street and an overflow parking lot along Route 31 just south of the railroad viaduct. Both of these parking options are available for a daily fee. The City also has several permit parking lots near the railroad tracks on Third Street. These permit parking lots require a quarterly payment to utilize. Please note, there is a waiting list for these permits.

The Geneva Police Department has a prescription disposal program in our lobby. If you are a Geneva resident, you can stop into the lobby and a records specialist will assist you in disposing of the unwanted medication.

The Geneva Police Department has several certified child safety seat technicians who can assist residents with installing their car seats properly. Call the department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736 to set up an appointment with one of our technicians.

A block party application can be found on the City's website or picked up at the Police Department, 20 Police Plaza. There is no fee for this application. The form assures that our public safety partners are aware of any road closures that might be associated with the block party. In addition, the application allows for the block party host to request a visit from our police and fire departments.

The Geneva Police Department offers a vacation watch program. The application can be found online or can be picked up at the department, 20 Police Plaza. This assures that a police officer will drive by your home specifically at least once per day. If you choose, you will receive an email notification from our department when the daily vacation check has been completed.

If you are experiencing an ongoing speed issue, contact the Geneva Police Department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736. We will assign extra traffic enforcement and utilize our speed display trailer in an effort to educate motorists.

The Geneva Police Department facilitates several tours of the facility throughout the year. We frequently have Scout troops and indvidual request tours. If you are interested, call the non-emergency number at 630-232-4736 to schedule a date.

Each year, the Geneva Police Department offers an 11-week Citizens Police Academy where residents are given a behind-the-scenes look at what we do. The class historically begins in January. Call the department's non-emergency number at 630-232-4736 for details.

The Geneva Police Department offers a crime prevention program where an officer can evaluate your business or home to advise you of any vulnerabilities that may make the property more likely to be victimized.

The City of Geneva has an ordinance requiring homeowners and business owners to complete an alarm permit application. This assures that when police officers respond to a burglar alarm at your home or business, the information reference for keyholders and homeowners is correct. While there is no fee for the application there are financial penalties for multiple false alarms. If no application is on file, the penalty is higher.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is authorized by the Illinois General Assembly as a means for municipalities, after the approval of a redevelopment plan and project, to redevelop blighted, conservation, or industrial park conservation areas and to finance eligible redevelopment project costs with incremental property tax revenues.

When a redevelopment project area is established, the assessed valuation of the property within the area is documented as the base value of the district. Property taxes continue to be levied and revenues generated from the base value are distributed to local taxing bodies. Revenues generated from any increased property values above the base are set aside to be used for TIF eligible expenses as defined by State Statute. Tax increment is the difference between the amount of property tax revenue generated from the base and the increased assessed value.

A municipality is required to find that, but for the designation of the TIF district and the use of Tax Increment Financing, it is unlikely that significant investment will occur in the Redevelopment Area. Without the support of public resources, the redevelopment objectives for the redevelopment project area would most likely not be realized. The area-wide improvements and development assistance resources needed to redevelop and revitalize the redevelopment area are extensive and costly, and the private market, on its own, has shown little ability to absorb these costs. Excessive vacancy throughout the area demonstrates that the private market has been unwilling to invest in these properties. Public resources to assist with site preparation and public infrastructure improvements are needed to leverage private investment and facilitate area-wide redevelopment. TIF funds can be used to support building rehabilitation, utility and infrastructure improvements, site assembly and preparation, and environmental remediation. Accordingly, but for the designation of a TIF district, these projects, which will contribute substantially to area-wide redevelopment, are unlikely to occur.

Illinois law specifies the requirements that must be satisfied for an area to qualify as a TIF district, beginning with identifying the district and the physical and economic deficiencies that need to be cured.

Prior to establishment of a TIF, an area is studied and a redevelopment plan created to demonstrate why an area needs intervention.

Municipal officials and a joint review board made up of representatives from local taxing bodies must review a plan for the redevelopment of the TIF area. A public hearing is held and a recommendation is forwarded to the Committee of the Whole and the City Council. If approved, the Mayor will sign the ordinance into law.

Some TIF eligible expenses include costs associated with acquisition of property; rehabilitation or renovation of buildings; financing costs, including interest assistance; demolition and site preparation; construction of public works or infrastructure improvements; professional services including architectural, engineering, legal, etc.; TIF administration.

The municipality monitors the progress of the TIF district in concert with the Joint Review Board which is made up of representatives from the major taxing bodies. By law the Joint Review Board meets annually to review the progress and status of each TIF. In addition, an annual report is submitted to the Illinois Comptroller; these reports are available in the State Comptroller's website.

No. Schools continue to receive all the tax revenue they were entitled to before the creation of the TIF district. As a tax capped taxing body, the school district will receive the full levy amount with or without TIF.

During the life of a TIF district, the tax increment is invested in the TIF district. Once the district expires, the school district will have access to “new” money. Without the TIF district, development would not occur and the tax increment would not be produced. Not only would new tax money for schools not be generated, but the area itself would remain economically stagnant.

Geneva TIF District #1 was established in 1982 and ended in 2005. During that time, the City of Geneva increased the EAV of the TIF district from $1.5 million in 1982 to over $20 million in 2005. When adjusted for inflation, this is over a 600% increase in EAV. This was all done without raising taxes.

Bubbling or pooling water can indicate a service leak or a water main break. Contact the Water Division at 630-232-1551 between 7 a.m.and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If this occurs after hours, call the non-emergency Police Department number at 630-232-4736.

The City of Geneva has three meter readers that read both the electric and water for our residents. The meter readers carry electronic devices that are downloaded to the billing system and billed each month. The City is in the process of changing out meters in areas to accommodate an electronic retrieval system. This system will enable the meter reader to simply walk by your home and electronically pick up the read.

Occasionally the meter reader is unable to read your meter due to over grown bushes, locked gates, obstruction to the meter area, or a dog in the yard. We ask that you read your water meter in the basement for the most accurate reading of your meter.

The City provides water from both deep and shallow wells. Since 2008, the City of Geneva’s water treatment plant has been in operation. Our website has more information about the City's water treatment plan.

There are occasions where the screens inside your faucets have sediment that gathers in them. These screens can be replaced or rinsed and then re-installed. If this problem continues, please contact us at 630-232-1551 between 7 a.m.and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or you can "Report a Concern" on our website homepage.

When a drain becomes dry, sewer odors can enter the residence. If you experience sewer odors in your home, check your basement or utility room floor drain, add a gallon or two of water if you think it is dry. Should this problem persists,"Report a Concern" on our website homepage or call the Water Department at 630-232-1551 for assistance.

The City of Geneva provides Water, Sewer and Electric for our residents. Please contact the Finance Division at 630-232-0854. The Finance Division's hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.